Winchester Model 1892 92 24” Octagon .25-20 WCF Lever Rifle, 1911 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,401.00
LSB# LSB251109RC006
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Rifle
Serial Number: 604585
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: .25-20 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “Model 92 Winchester Trademark 25-20 WCF” The top tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.IN U.S.PAT.OFF.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “Made in USA Winchester Repeating Arms Co, New Haven Conn” The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the barrel and receiver are each marked with a Winchester WP proof and a circle P mark indicating that the barrel was replaced outside the Winchester factory.
Barrel Length: 24” Nominal, 24 ¼” Measured, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Kings patent buckhorn sight with elevator dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight, none installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood with straight grip, straight comb, crescent buttplate, and capped forend. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The stocks have been refinished and some finish has gotten on the metal. There are scratches, handling marks, and compression dents throughout. The upper right corner wrist has been chipped. There is a crack near the toe of the stock. There is some oil darkening. Overall the stocks rate in Good condition for a refinish.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. There are scratches, and handling marks throughout. There are spots of bluing loss on the leading edges. There are light corrosion spots throughout. The top receiver ring has been peened. The receiver is well worn from carrying. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. The hammer still fires at half cock with enough pressure on the trigger. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1892 was John M. Browning’s compact, strengthened evolution of the earlier toggle-link designs, intended to handle small and medium sporting cartridges with exceptional smoothness and durability. Manufactured in 1911, this rifle features a classic 24 inch octagonal barrel and traditional sporting configuration that reflects Winchester’s mature pre-World War I production, when fit, balance, and handling were paramount. The octagon barrel, King’s patent buckhorn rear sight, and crescent steel buttplate give the rifle a distinctly period-correct appearance that remains instantly recognizable as a turn-of-the-century Winchester.
Chambered in .25-20 WCF, the rifle represents one of the era’s most popular light sporting cartridges, favored for small game hunting, pest control, and informal target shooting. Introduced as a mild, accurate round with modest recoil and efficient ballistics, the .25-20 earned a reputation for precision and versatility in rural America. Notably, this rifle bears Winchester WP and circle P proof marks indicating a barrel replacement performed outside the Winchester factory, a detail that reflects its long working life. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9 out of 10, which stands out favorably against the rifle’s overall age and use.
Overall condition shows honest wear consistent with decades of service, with approximately 50 percent of the original blue finish remaining and the balance worn along edges and high-contact areas. The receiver shows clear carry wear, light corrosion spotting, and peening at the top receiver ring, while markings remain clear and legible. The refinished walnut stocks show handling marks, oil darkening, a chipped wrist corner, and a crack near the toe, presenting as good for a refinish while retaining the rifle’s classic lines. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and half-cock notch that can be tripped with sufficient pressure. As a C&R-eligible Model 1892 in .25-20 WCF with a strong bore and visible working character, this rifle represents an authentic example of Winchester’s small-caliber sporting heritage. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
